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All the United Kingdom Scotland Stonehaven Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony
AO Edited

Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony

This brilliant display of whirling fireballs celebrates Hogmanay.

Stonehaven, Scotland

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Sandra McGhee
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Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony   Common Good
Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony   Common Good
Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony  
Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony  
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About

Stonehaven is a quaint fishing town and a frequent tourist destination during the summer months. But it's not the bars and beaches that draw thousands to this little Scottish town in the middle of winter.

Stonehaven has a rather unique Hogmanay celebration. Before the stroke of midnight, pipers and drummers entertain the throngs of people celebrating the new year, building up the excitement for the main event. When the bells sound, the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony begins.

Local men and women swirling large cages of burning fireballs march down the main street to cheering crowds. The event can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a full hour of masterful displays. Once the event ends, the fireballs are hurled into the harbor to the delight of the crowd. Although the event only has a recorded history of 150 years, it's believed to be much older. The festival symbolizes the burning off of evil spirits, so the new year can begin with a fresh start. 

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Festivals

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The event is free, but accommodations run out fairly quickly.

Community Contributors

Added By

ssm67alba

Edited By

tealeaves, linkogecko, jonathancarey

  • tealeaves
  • linkogecko
  • jonathancarey

Published

October 4, 2019

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Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony
High St
Stonehaven, Scotland, AB39 2JQ
United Kingdom
56.963661, -2.209288
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Photo of Stonehaven

Stonehaven

Scotland

Places 2

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Stonehaven Boardwalk Sculptures

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Photo of Stonehaven

Stonehaven

Scotland

Places 2

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